The plan that sets national priorities and determines how they can best be achieved.

Public Opinion

The views of a citizenry on any of a wide range of issues at a particular time.

Public Opinion Poll

A method used to determine the public's views of issues by using scientifically organized questioning.

Political Parties

Groups of individuals associated together on the basis of common political principles in order to assume the powers of government, to elect public officials and to pass legislation in support of its principles.

Republicans

An American political party to favor conservative public policies though with wide variations.

Democrats

An American political party tending to favor liberal public policies, though with wide variations.

Conservative

In the context of American politics, a politicla orientation that tends to favor decentralization of power to the states and lower levels of public spending than those supported by liberals, especially on social programs for the poor.

Liberal

In the context of American politics, a political orientation that tends to favor centralization of power at the national level and higher levels of public spending than those supported by conservatives, especially on social programs for the poor. (i.e., SSI, Welfare, Food Stamps, et. al.)

Party Platform

A set of statements that describes what a political party stands for, with the purpose of attracting electoral support from voters.

Primary Election

An initial election, held before the general election, in which voters of a political party determine which candidate will become the official candidate for public office in the general elections.

Third Party

A minor political party in the American political system.

Interest Group

An organization composed of those who join together for a political purpose, and who attempt to influence public policy.

Lobby

To attempt to influence public policy using methods such as providing information, making campaign contributions and drafting legislation.

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